Do you have struggling writers who just don't seem to be growing? Do you have reluctant writers who don't seem to get much writing completed? In every class that I have ever taught, there has always been a handful of kiddos that just don't like writing. These students can be toughest to reach. You have to get creative! Here are my top ten ways to ... Continue Reading
6 Ways to Make Writing Fun in the Classroom
Do you have reluctant writers? You know- those students that stare into space the entire time that they are supposed to be writing? Do you have bored writers- students who watch the clock during wring? How about adding some fun to your writer's workshop! I have some simple ideas for you! 1. Let Students Choose Their Own Writing Topic How many times ... Continue Reading
Teacher’s Guide to Learning About Dyslexia
My daughter has dyslexia. It took years for us to figure out why she struggled so much in reading and writing. It was so painful to watch her self-esteem deteriorate. This was especially disheartening to me since I was her teacher. In the last couple of years I have learned so much about students with dyslexia and it has become a topic that is near ... Continue Reading
Using Book Raffles in the Classroom
As a teacher, my number one reading goal is to help students develop a love for reading. I want to help my students find the book that they can't put down. I want them to be so engaged in books, that they can't wait for independent reading time! One way that I get students excited about books and reading is through book raffles. A book raffle ... Continue Reading
10 Ways to Make Math Fun
Math is my very favorite subject to teach! I love that it lends itself so nicely to hands-on activities and games. There are so many ways that you can take a dry math curriculum and make it fun! These ideas are perfect for the classroom teacher or a homeschooler! 1. Integrate Technology I know that every classroom does not have access ... Continue Reading
Tips for Dealing with a Talkative Class
I recently asked teachers on my Facebook page what their biggest classroom challenge was. At least half of the teachers responded that their biggest challenge was dealing with talkative students. I want to share my tips and strategies for dealing with a talkative class. Let me start by saying, there is NOT a simple and immediate cure to the chatty ... Continue Reading
Tips for Avoiding Teacher Burnout
The struggle is real. Teacher burnout is a reality. All over the country, teachers are tired, frustrated, stressed and leaving the profession. After only a few years, talented teachers are walking out. Don't let this be you! Yes, teaching is tough, but so are YOU! Whether you are a new teacher or a long-time teacher, I hope these tips will help you ... Continue Reading
5 Reasons I Don’t Use Dictionaries for Vocabulary
I am truly passionate about teaching vocabulary in my classroom. I know that my students need a good grasp of tier two words to improve their reading comprehension, word choice in their writing and increase their performance on standardized tests. All of that is important. But the reason that I really enjoy teaching vocabulary is that I love to see ... Continue Reading
The Dos and Don’ts of Test Prep
In my last post, which you can read HERE, I talked a lot about why I believe that test prep is necessary. It can help to increase student confidence and relieve some of their test taking anxiety. However, only quality test prep will help! If you are not using test prep time to review important skills and strategies while building your students up- ... Continue Reading
Should we even bother with test prep?
I don’t love standardized testing. But it is a necessary evil. I don’t agree with judging schools, teachers or students on the results of one test, and I don’t believe that money should be handed out or taken away based on test scores. I am certainly not a fan of schools being graded on test scores alone. That being said… testing isn’t going away ... Continue Reading
